The two Saints lock horns in search of a place at the first round of Orange CAF Champions League, when Saint George of Ethiopia faces Seychellois champions, St. Michel United.

Saint George, the most successful club in Ethiopia, were dumped out early by eventual group stage contestants, Algerian side MC El Eluma in the preliminary round of the last edition. Likewise, the Seychellois side has also dealt with the same fate as they were crushed by Mamelodi Sundowns.

Speaking to CAFOnline.com, Saint George coach Mart Nooij firmly believes the game won’t be a walk in the park.

“I have been working on the continent of Africa for the last 16 years. I trained clubs and national teams. Each continental game is always difficult,” said the Dutchman.

Nooij has also insisted the ‘Horsemen’ are in a position to clinch victory against their guests.

“We have played to friendly games back in January as part of our 80th anniversary celebrations. We played El-Merrreikh (Sudan) and Gor Mahia (Kenya), both champions of their respective leagues. We had a good result in those two games. Thus, we must have a good result against the champions of Seychelles.”

For Saint George forward, Adane Girma, they are looking beyond the preliminary round.
“We have to ‘kill’ the game in Addis Ababa and progress to the next round. We won’t underestimate them considering it is a CAF Champions League game.”

The Ethiopian champions will be without Ugandan-import Brian Umony, who has a fractured thigh bone, and centre-back Salahdin Bargicho for Sunday’s duel.

Saint Michel United last visited Addis Ababa in CAF Champions League game in 1998, suffering an 8-1 loss to Ethiopian Coffee FC.